8 Day Cultural Tour of Bhutan
Day 01. Arrive at Paro International Airport and cultural sightseeing at Paro
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will receive you and drive to hotel.
After lunch visit:
- Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temple in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.
- Ta Dzong – Former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum.
- Rinpung Dzong – Which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02. Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu and visit:
- Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
- Memorial Chorten – Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03. Thimphu – Sightseeing
- Changangkha Lhakhang – It is right above Thimphu Valley, this temple and a monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
- Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
- Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum – The school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Simply Bhutan – Is an integrative living museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04. Thimphu – Phobjikha
After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha – approximately 6-hours drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue drive down into the Phobjikha valley and visit Gantey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery date back to the 16 century. Later walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05. Phobjikha – Punakha
After breakfast walk through nature trail of pine forest. After lunch drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06. Punakha – Paro
After breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch drive to Paro and afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.” Descend back to Ramthangka.
If time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel.
Day 08. Paro – Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell.
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